The capital of the Alsace region has been the subject of a centuries long war between France and Germany.You will find the city heavily influenced by both the cultures, so diverse yet so true to its essence.Strasbourg is a young and dynamic city. A sense of multi culture is prominent in the cuisine and wine, the way of life and also the presence of institutions like European Parliament.The city becomes a major tourist attraction during Winter for its Christmas Market.But it has a beautiful ambience in summer and we will give you a glimpse of our visit.
Considered among the finest examples of Gothic architecture.Like the city of Strasbourg, the cathedral connects German and French cultural influences, while the eastern structures have very Romanesque features, the famous west front is decorated with thousands of figures, and is a masterpiece of the Gothic era. Sandstone from the Vosges used in construction gives the cathedral its characteristic pink hue.
It is known that the cathedral was constructed by the bishop Saint Arbogast of the Strasbourg at the end of the seventh century, on the base of a temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary, but nothing remains of it today.The tower is one of the first to rely substantially on craftsmanship, with the final appearance being one with a high degree of linearity captured in stone.
While previous façades were certainly drawn prior to construction, Strasbourg has one of the earliest façades whose construction is inconceivable without prior drawing. Strasbourg cathedral is one of the earliest uses of architectural drawing.
Some of the outstanding elements are Stained glass windows, the tombstone of Conrad de Lichtenberg, richly ornate baptismal font, and luxuriously ornate pulpit among several other architectural marvels.
Address: Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Timings -Monday - Saturday from 9:30 to 11:15, from 14:00 to 17:45
Sunday from 13:00 to 17:30
Free entrance
The cathedral's south transept houses an 18-metre astronomical clock, one of the largest in the world. The astronomical part is unusually accurate; it indicates leap years, equinoxes, and more astronomical data. Thus it is much more a complex calculating machine than a clock.
The spiral staircase with 332 steps leads you to the top of the cathedral. The panoramic view at the top of the platform is extraordinary. The roofs of Strasbourg are incredible and the view extends in good weather to the Vosges and the Black Forest.
Time:9: 30am - 20: 00pm (01/04 - 30/09), 10: 00am - 18: 00pm (01/10 - 31/03)
Last entry is possible up to 30 minutes before closing.
Admission: Adult 5 € / Child 3.5 €
Just 10 minutes walk away from the cathedral you will find this magical place which is the most picturesque district of old Strasbourg. The part of town where the streets have been built on level with the waterways.
The magnificent half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The sloping roofs with open lofts and colourful houses and wooden pillars making them a dreamy land right in the middle of Strasbourg.
The name Petite-France "Little France" was not given for patriotic or architectural reasons. It comes from the hospital of syphilis (Hospice des Vérolés, in French), which was built in the late fifteenth century on this island, to cure persons with syphilis, giving the island the name - Petite France.
Strasbourg with the European Parliament is also called the EU capital. Placing a European institution in Strasbourg is also a symbol of France and Germany's settlement. The institution is legally bound to meet there twelve sessions a year lasting about four days each.
Although it is strictly guarded, there are times when some areas are open to the public, and if you book an observation tour by e-mail via the website, you can enter as an individual traveller.
Adress- 1 Avenue duPrésidentRobert Schuman、67000 Strasbourg
http://www.strasbourg-europe.eu/parlement-europeen,41316,fr.html
You can glide gently past the must-see attractions of the Alsatian capital, in particular, the famous Petite France and tanners quarter, the Covered Bridges and the Vauban dam, the Neustadt imperial quarter, and the European institutions on the majestic Ile River and listen to the audio guide in 12 languages with individual headphones.
Tickets: Office Tourisme / www.batorama.fr
Docking Pier: Next to Notre Dame Cathedral Square
Fee: 13 €
TGV
Approximately 2-3 hours from Gare du Nord (Gare d'Est)
Budget: 15 euro - 500 euros
Available from SNCF's website: https: //www.voyages-sncf.com/train/trajet/paris/strasbourg
BUS
About 7 to 8 hours from Paris
Budget: 15 euros
Ouibus, Euroline etc Reservable from company website
Bus ticket price comparison site: http: //www.comparabus.com/fr/
Next, to Notre Dame Cathedral, you can purchase Strasbourg's map for 1 euro at the Tourist Information Center. If you purchase the City Pass (21,50 euros), you can enjoy various activities at discounted prices. If you are staying for more than 1-day stay in Strasbourg, purchasing a pass is recommended.
Tourist Information Center - 17 Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg
City Pass benefits
- Observatory of Notre Dame Cathedral entry free
- Notre Dame Cathedral Astronomical clock viewing free
- Strasbourg Batorama Cruise FREE
- Museum in Strasbourg 1 viewing free
- 50% discount on sightseeing mini tram
- 50% discount on the second museum in Strasbourg
Take a look at the - O'Bon Paris Map
Author - Mili Nair
Photo's - Han Jae Un